Adaptation and Validation of a Test for the Evaluation of Tactical Knowledge in Soccer: Test de Conocimiento Táctico Ofensivo en Fútbol for the Brazilian Context (TCTOF-BRA).

Background: Studies and tests to assess the tactical domain of young soccer players are recent, and few instruments meet the majority of quality criteria. Objective: To adapt and validate the Test de Conocimiento Táctico Ofensivo en Fútbol (TCTOF) for the Brazilian context (TCTOF-BRA). Methods: The article consists of two studies. Study 1 (n = 111) included the translation, theoretical/semantic analysis, back translation, cross-cultural equivalence, and content and face validity (pre-test). In study 2 (n = 768), a theoretical and empirical item analysis was carried out, followed by construct validity [exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and the known-groups method] and reliability (internal consistency and repeatability). Results: In the cross-cultural evaluation, the Coefficient of content validity total (CCVt) of the instrument was 0.96 and in the content validity, the CCVt of the instrument was 0.87. The face validity was confirmed (>95%). After theoretical and empirical analysis, 15 questions were included in the Teste de Conhecimento Tático Ofensivo no Futebol (TCTOF-BRA). The EFA showed a model with adequate fit (KMO = 0.69; Bartlett p < 0.001), with a factor structure considered very good, composed of four factors (decision making, operational tactical principles, collective tactical-technical elements, and rules). The CFA by the Asymptotically Distribution-Free estimation method demonstrated good and very good goodness of fit indices (X 2/df = 1.54, GFI = 0.99, CFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.92, PGFI = 0.71, PCFI = 0.76, RMSEA = 0.03, and ECVI = 0.26). The known-groups method showed significant differences (p < 0.01) and effect sizes varying from small-to-medium to large. With respect to reliability, coefficients of 0.89 (CR) and 0.74 (KR20) for internal consistency and 0.85 for repeatability were found. Conclusion: The TCTOF-BRA presented satisfactory evidence, demonstrating it to be an instrument with valid and reliable measures for the evaluation of tactical knowledge (declarative and theoretical procedural), based on specific knowledge and decision making (cognitive domain), of Brazilian young soccer players from 12 to 17.9 years old.

Scoping review of tests to assess tactical knowledge and tactical performance of young soccer players.

This scoping review aimed to systematically map studies/tests for assessing the tactical domain of young soccer players. The study followed the PRISMA-ScR and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. The databases searched were Scopus, SPORTDiscus, SciELO, LILACS, and BDTD. The eligibility criteria were defined based on the elements of population, context, and concept, without restrictions on the period, language, and type of publication. Twenty-four papers were included, from 1997 to 2020, totalling 29 tests/instruments for the assessment of the tactical domain, with the majority of studies having an European sample. Twelve terms were used to nominate the tactical component, regardless of the assessment method and approach. Six tests met eight or nine criteria in the critical appraisal: TCTOF, TACSIS Spanish version, Semi-Structured Interview, TCTP-OE, GPET, and FUTSAT. Thus, it is concluded that studies and tests for the assessment of the tactical domain of young soccer players are recent and mainly European; there is no consensus about the adopted terminology; and few tests met the majority of the quality criteria. Therefore, we suggest: a) the construction/adaptation of tests with samples from other continents; b) the use of the proposed criteria; and c) that the terms tactical knowledge and tactical performance are adopted.

Tactical Behaviour of Youth Soccer Players: Differences Depending on Task Constraint Modification, Age and Skill Level.

This study aimed to investigate: i) how Small-Sided and Conditioned Games based on different representation and exaggeration modification strategies, from the Teaching Games for Understanding pedagogical principles, affected team performance and exploratory behaviour; and ii) how teams and players of different ages and skill levels were affected by the use of these different modification strategies. In total, forty-eight youth male soccer players participated in the study (U15, n = 24 mean age = 13.06 ± 1.53 years; U17, n = 24 mean age = 16.89 ± 0.11 years). In both categories, players were organized into three groups according to their tactical efficiency level (Group 01 = High Skilled Players (HSP), Group 02 = Intermediate Skilled Players (ISP), and Group 03 = Low Skilled Players (LSP)). The HSP and LSP groups performed two types of Gk+4vs4+Gk Small-Sided and Conditioned Games (SSCGs) based on different representation and exaggeration modification strategies. The first type of SSCGs was modified by structural constraints (Structural SSCG) and the second type was modified by rule manipulation (Manipulation SSCG). Team performance and exploratory behaviour were analysed through the Offensive Sequences Characterization System and Lag Sequential Analysis, respectively. SSCG modification strategies affected differently tactical performance and exploratory behaviour of teams composed of players of different skill levels. It was found that SSCG modification strategy through rule manipulation provided players and teams with a higher level of difficulty, compromising their performance and inhibiting exploratory behaviour. This information is crucial to practitioners wishing to apply more appropriate pedagogical strategies to improve a specific tactical problem using a player-centred and game-based approach.

Characterization of the Weekly External Load Profile of Professional Soccer Teams from Portugal and the Netherlands.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the day-to-day variance of a typical weekly external training workload of two professional soccer teams from different countries. Twenty-nine players from two professional teams from Portugal and the Netherlands participated in this study. The players' external load was monitored for 7 weeks, by means of portable GPS devices (10 Hz, JOHAN, Noordwijk, Netherlands). Results revealed that match day -1 (MD-1), i.e. the training day before a match, had significantly (p = 0.001) less training volume (4584.50 m) than the other days. MD-5 (training five days before a match), MD-4 (four days before a match) and MD-3 (three days before a match) were the most intense (390.83, 176.90 and 247.32 m of sprinting distance, respectively) and with large volume (7062.66, 6077.30 and 6919.49 m, respectively). Interestingly, significant differences were found between clubs of different countries (p < 0.05) with the Portuguese team showing significantly higher intensity (sprinting distance) and volume (total distance) in all days with exception of MD-1 than the Dutch team. The results of this study possibly allow for the identification of different training workloads and tapering strategies between countries in relation to volume and intensity. It should be noted, however, that both clubs used a significant tapering phase in the last two days before the competition in an attempt to reduce residual fatigue accumulation.

Hábitos y comportamientos relacionados con la salud de los adolescentes en su tiempo de ocio / Habits and behaviours related to the health in adolescents during their leisure time

Este estudio trata de determinar cuáles son las prácticas habituales en relación a la participación en actividades físicas y deportivas junto con el consumo de sustancias nocivas en adolescentes. Se realizó un diseño descriptivo correlacional transversal. Participaron en el estudio 1140 sujetos (edad: 18.75 ± 6.35 años; género: masculino 46.7%, femenino 53.3%), de los cuales 790 eran universitarios y 350 no universitarios en la comunidad de Castilla-La Mancha (España). Se utilizó el Cuestionario de Evaluación de los Hábitos relacionados con la Salud (Gil Madrona, González Villora, Pastor Vicedo, y Fernández Bustos, 2010). El análisis descriptivo reveló que un alto porcentaje no practica actividad física de forma regular. El análisis inferencial marcó valores estadísticamente significativos en la relación entre los hábitos de práctica de actividad física y aquellos relacionados con el consumo de tabaco, alcohol y/o drogas. Se concluye por tanto la necesidad de programas que fomenten la práctica de actividad física

This research attempts to determine which are the common practices related to the participation in sport and physical activities within the consumption of harmful substances in adolescents. A descriptive, correlational and transversal design was performed. A total of 1,140 subjects participated in the study (Mean age: 18.75 ± 6.35 years old; gender: male 46.7%, female 53.3%), of wich 790 were undergraduates and 350 non-undergraduates from the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain). It was used the Evaluation Questionnaire of the Habits related to the Health (Gil-Madrona, González-Víllora, Pastor-Vicedo, & Fernández-Bustos, 2010). Descriptive analysis revealed that a high percentage of adolescents do not practice sport regularly. The differential analysis showed significant statistical values which relates the sport habit with the tobacco, alcohol and/or drugs consumption. It was concluded that the design and development of programmes which foster physical activity are a need

External Load Variations Between Medium- and Large-Sided Soccer Games: Ball Possession Games Vs Regular Games with Small Goals.

This study compared external load variations between 5 vs 5 and 10 vs 10 sided game formats played under two conditions: (i) a ball possession game with two floaters, and (ii) a regular game with goalkeepers and small goals. Twenty-two professional soccer players participated in this study: four central defenders, four wide defenders, nine central midfielders, three wide forwards, and three strikers. Total distance (TD), running distance (RD), sprinting distance (SD), number of sprints (NS), and player's training load (PL) were recorded by GPS units. Within-format analyses revealed very likely large increases in TD (20.0%, [9.2; 31.9]; effect size (ES): 1.48, [0.71; 2.25]) and RD (130.9%, [20.2; 343.7]; ES: 1.32, [0.29; 2.35]) during the regular game when compared to the ball possession game in the 5 vs 5 format. In the 10 vs 10 format, large increases in TD (27.9%, [17.7; 39.1]; ES: 3.54, [2.34; 4.74]) and PL (27.4%, [12.6; 44.1]; ES: 2.46, [1.20; 3.72]) were observed in the regular condition when compared to the ball possession condition. Between-formats analyses revealed that, in the 10 vs 10 format, when compared to the 5 vs 5 format, RD was very likely larger (123.5%, [33.7; 273.7]), as was SD (195.8%, [20.5; 626.2]). However, very likely large decreases in PL were observed in the 10 vs 10 format (-19.6%; [-29.4; -8.3]) in the ball possession condition. Unclear differences were revealed based on variations in external load variables between formats in the regular condition. Smaller formats reduce the area available for running and sprinting and, thus, may be more adequate for increasing player's training load (based on accelerometer data).

Soccer and Relative Age Effect: A Walk among Elite Players and Young Players.

Grouping people according to chronological age is popular in fields such as education and sport. Athletes who are born in the first months of the year usually have cognitive and physical development differences in contrast to those born in the last months of the same year. That is why competitive teams tend to select older players more often than youngsters. Age differences between athletes born in the same year as well as an over-representation of older players are known as the Relative Age Effect. This effect is extensively described in young and elite team sports such as basketball, volleyball or, ice-hockey, as well as in soccer. The purpose of this study is to examine the state-of-the-art of the Relative Age Effect in youth and elite soccer players. This review summarizes recent research articles on the Relative Age Effect related to competitive soccer from 2010 to 2016. The systematic literature search was conducted in four databases: SPORTDiscus, Medline, EBSCO host and Google Scholar. Although causes and final solutions have not been clearly achieved yet, it is necessary to continue investigating this phenomenon in order to provide a starting point for future research.

Conocimiento táctico de niños de siete-13 años en función del contexto deportivo / Tactical knowledge of seven-13 years old children depending on their sport context

Se analizaron las diferencias de conocimiento táctico de niños de siete a 13 años de tres contextos deportivos distintos, escolar, específico y recreativo. Los participantes completaron el Test de Conocimiento Táctico Ofensivo en Fútbol y se analizaron los resultados en función de la edad, experiencia y el contexto deportivo. La edad y la experiencia correlacionaron significativamente con el conocimiento táctico (r = ,31; r= ,41; r= ,53), aunque la magnitud de estas correlaciones fue baja (r < ,70) conforme a la consideración de valores clasificados como coeficientes aceptables (Gregory, 2000). Los participantes en el contexto específico demostraron conocimientos significativamente superiores a los del contexto escolar: declarativo (Z = -8,29; p = ,00; r = ,42), procedimental (Z = -5,39; p = ,00; r = ,27) y táctico (Z = -6,85, p = .00, r = .34). Los participantes en el contexto recreativo presentaron conocimientos significativamente superiores a los del contexto escolar: declarativo (Z = -6,63; p = ,00; r = ,36), procedimental (Z = -5,15; p = ,00; r = ,28) y táctico (Z = -6,63; p = ,00; r = ,36). No se observaron diferencias entre los contextos específico y recreativo. Los hallazgos demuestran que la edad y la experiencia no eran la causa principal de las diferencias observadas. Probablemente, las posibilidades de aprendizaje propias del contexto en el que se encontraban los participantes afectaron a su nivel de conocimientos. Por este motivo, son necesarios más estudios que analicen la relación entre el conocimiento táctico y otras variables como las metodologías de enseñanza de los deportes empleadas en los diferentes contextos deportivos (AU)

Foi analisado o conhecimento tático de crianças com idades entre os sete e os 13 anos, provenientes de três contextos desportivos diferentes (escolar, recreativo e específico). Os participantes completaram o Teste de Conhecimento Tático de Futebol e os resultados foram analisados de acordo com a idade, experiência e contexto desportivo dos indivíduos. A idade e a experiência correlacionaram-se significativamente com o conhecimento tático (r = 31; r = 41; r = 53), embora a magnitude dessas correlações fosse baixa (r <70) de acordo com a consideração de resultados classificados como coeficientes aceitáveis (Gregory, 2000). Os participantes do contexto específico apresentaram um conhecimento significativamente mais elevado do que os indivíduos do contexto escolar: declarativo (Z = -8,29; p =, 00; r =, 42), procedimental (Z = -5,39; p = 27) e conhecimento tático (Z = -6,85, p = 0,00, r = 0,34). Os participantes do contexto recreativo obtiveram pontuação significativamente maior do que os indivíduos do contexto escolar: declarativo (Z = -6,63; p =, 00; r = 36), procedimental (Z = -5,15; p =, 00; r = 28 ) e conhecimento tático (Z = -6,63; p =, 00; r =, 36). Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os contextos específicos e recreativos. Os resultados mostram que idade e experiência não foram as principais causas das diferenças observadas. Provavelmente, as possibilidades de aprendizagem específicas de cada contexto afetaram o conhecimento dos participantes. São necessários mais estudos para examinar a relação entre o conhecimento tático e outras variáveis como as metodologias de ensino dos desportos utilizadas em diferentes contextos desportivos (AU)

Differences in tactical knowledge of children aged seven-13 years from three different sports contexts (school, recreation and specific) were analyzed. Participants completed the Soccer Tactical Knowledge Test and results were analyzed according to the age, experience and sport context of the individuals. Age and experience correlated significantly with the tactical knowledge (r = ,31; r= ,41; r= ,53), although the magnitude of these correlations was low (r < ,70) according to the consideration of results classified as acceptable coefficients (Gregory, 2000). Specific context participants showed significantly higher knowledge than the school context individuals: declarative (Z = -8,29; p = ,00; r = ,42), procedural (Z = -5,39; p = ,00; r = ,27) and tactical knowledge (Z = -6,85, p = .00, r = .34). Recreational context participants scored significantly higher than the school context individuals: declarative (Z = -6,63; p = ,00; r = ,36), procedural (Z = -5,15; p = ,00; r = ,28) and tactical knowledge (Z = -6,63; p = ,00; r = ,36). No differences were observed between specific and recreational contexts. Findings show that age and experience were not the main cause of the differences observed. Probably, the specific possibilities of learning of each context affected to the participants’ knowledge. More studies are needed to examine the relationship between tactical knowledge and other variables such as teaching sports methodologies employed in different sport contexts (AU)

Developing Talented Soccer Players: An Analysis of Socio-Spatial Factors as Possible Key Constraints.

Most studies on the identification and development of soccer talent have been one-dimensional in nature. Although some multi-dimensional analyses have been conducted, few research studies have assessed in any depth the socio-spatial factors influencing talent development. The aim of this particular study was to analyse variations in the international representation of clubs (n = 821) and countries (n = 59) in the development of players who took part in the 2014 FIFA Soccer World Cup. Clubs and countries were ranked and divided into quartiles according to the number of players developed between the ages of 15 and 21 (clubs and countries that developed players for at least three years between these ages) and the number of official league matches played by these players up to the age of 23. Significant variations were observed between clubs in terms of the number of developed players who took part in the World Cup and the number of official league matches played by these players up to the age of 23 (p < .05), and also between countries (p < .05). The findings reveal the need to carry out more in-depth studies into the type of training and competition engaged in by elite players in the period of development between the ages of 15 and 21. It may be the case that these factors are potentially decisive socio-spatial constraints in the development of soccer talent.

Tactical expertise assessment in youth football using representative tasks.

Specific football drills improve the development of technical/tactical and physical variables in players. Based on this principle, in recent years it has been possible to observe in daily training a growing volume of small-sided and conditioned games. These games are smaller and modified forms of formal games that augment players' perception of specific tactics. Despite this approach, the assessment of players' knowledge and tactical execution has not been well documented, due mainly to the difficulty in measuring tactical behavior. For that reason, this study aims to provide a narrative review about the tactical assessment of football training by using representative tasks to measure the tactical expertise of youth football players during small-sided and conditioned games. This study gives an overview of the ecological approach to training and the principles used for representative task design, providing relevant contribution and direction for future research into the assessment of tactical expertise in youth football.

El Modelo de Educación Deportiva en España: una revisión del estado de la cuestión y prospectiva / O modelo de educação desportiva em Espanha: revisão do estado-da-arte e prospectiva / The Sport Education Model in Spain: a review of state of the art and outlook

En la actualidad, han sido varias las aplicaciones del Modelo de Educación Deportiva (MED) en el sistema educativo español. Sin embargo, las investigaciones con este innovador modelo de enseñanza son escasas. El objetivo de este trabajo es conocer el progreso y la evolución del MED en España desde el 2010 hasta 2014, así como el impacto que ha tenido en los estudiantes y docentes que lo han llevado a cabo. En este trabajo se han registrado 12 estudios realizados en distintas modalidades deportivas, con diferentes metodologías, duración, dimensiones de aprendizaje y niveles educativos. Se ha realizado una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura en EBSCO HOST, Dialnet, SPORTDiscus y Google Scholar, con las palabras clave: 'Sport Education', 'Educación Deportiva', 'Modelo de Educación Deportiva', 'Modelo de Educación', 'Modelo de Enseñanza' y 'Modelo'. Los hallazgos demuestran las posibilidades del MED en relación al fomento de competencias básicas, motivación, participación, implicación del género femenino en los deportes o la inclusión de alumnos no integrados. No obstante, el estado de la investigación en torno al MED indica la necesidad de desarrollar adecuadamente aspectos claves para una aplicación eficaz del modelo, entre otros la formación previa y organización de los docentes o el reparto de roles-funciones de los alumnos. Tras la revisión efectuada, se puede concluir que el MED puede educar a los estudiantes para que logren ser más cultos, competentes, entusiastas y que adopten un estilo de vida activo. Esto se debe a que con el MED los alumnos pueden mejorar sus conocimientos y experimentar el/los deporte/s de forma autónoma, divertida y responsable, aprendiendo valores sociales positivos de forma simultánea (AU)

Atualmente, existem varias aplicações do Modelo de Educação Esportiva (MEE) no sistema educacional espanhol. Entretanto, as investigações com este modelo inovador de ensino são escassas. O objetivo desde trabalho é conhecer o progresso e a evolução do MEE na Espanha de 2010 a 2014, assim como seu impacto sobre os estudantes e professores que o têm utilizado. Neste trabalho foram registrados 12 estudos nas diferentes modalidades esportivas, com diferentes metodologias, duração, dimensões de aprendizagem e níveis educacionais. Realizou-se uma pesquisa sistemática na literatura nas bases de dados EBSCO HOST, Dialnet, SPORTDiscus e Google Académico, com as palavras-chave: 'Sport Education', 'Educa-ção desportiva', 'Modelo de Educação Desportiva', 'Modelo de Educação', 'Modelo de Ensino' e 'Modelo'. Os achados demonstram as possibilidades do MEE em relação ao desenvolvimento de competências básicas, motivação, participação, implicação do gênero feminino nos esportes ou a inclusão de alunos não integrados. No entanto, o estado da investigação em torno do MEE indica a necessidade de desenvolver adequadamente aspectos chave para uma aplicação eficaz do modelo, incluindo a formação prévia e organização dos professores ou a divisão das funções dos alunos. Após a revisão feita, pode-se concluir que o MEE pode educar os estudantes para que se tornem mais cultos, competentes, entusiastas e adotem um estilo de vida ativo. Isto se deve ao fato de que com o MEE os alunos podem melhorar seus conhecimentos e experimentar o(s) esporte(s) de forma autônoma, divertida, responsável, aprendendo valores sociais e positivos de forma simultânea (AU)

At present, there have been several applications of the Sport Education Model (SEM) in the Spanish Educational System. However, researching activity is lacking within this innovative teaching model. The aim of this study is to determine not only SEM progress and evolution in Spain from 2010 to 2014, but also the impact that has had on students and teachers who have undertaken it. In this work, 12 studies in different sports with different methodologies, duration, dimensions of learning and education levels have been registered. A systematic literature search was conducted using four databases, namely EBSCO HOST, Dialnet, SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar. This search was conducted using five keywords, 'Sport Education', 'Sport Education Model', 'Education Model', 'Teaching Model' and 'Model'. The results proved SEM possibilities with regards to the basic skills promotion, motivation, active participation, female gender´s involvement in sports or the non-integrated students´ inclusion. However, SEM researching situation indicates the need to properly develop the key aspects for the model effective implementation, including previous training and teachers´ organization or students´ role-sharing functions. After this review, it can be stated that SEM can educate students so that these could be better trained, competent, enthusiastic by means of adopting an active lifestyle. Moreover, thanks to SEM, students can improve their sport/s knowledge and experience in an autonomous, fun and responsible way, learning positive social values simultaneously (AU)

Review of the tactical evaluation tools for youth players, assessing the tactics in team sports: football.

For sports assessment to be comprehensive, it must address all variables of sports development, such as psychological, social-emotional, physical and physiological, technical and tactical. Tactical assessment has been a neglected variable until the 1980s or 1990s. In the last two decades (1995-2015), the evolution of tactical assessment has grown considerably, given its importance in game performance. The aim of this paper is to compile and analyze different tactical measuring tools in team sports, particularly in soccer, through a bibliographical review. Six tools have been selected on five different criteria: (1) Instruments which assess tactics, (2) The studies have an evolution approach related to the tactical principles, (3) With a valid and reliable method, (4) The existence of publications mentioning the tool in the method, v. Applicable in different sports contexts. All six tools are structured around seven headings: introduction, objective(s), tactical principles, materials, procedures, instructions/rules of the game and published studies. In conclusion, the teaching-learning processes more tactical oriented have useful tactical assessment instrument in the literature. The selection of one or another depends some context information, like age and level of expertise of the players.

Relación del conocimiento táctico de jóvenes futbolistas con la edad, la experiencia y el nivel de pericia / Relação entre o conhecimento tático de jovens jogadores sobre a idade, a experiência eo nível de especialização / Relationship between young soccer players’ tactical knowledge and age, experience and level of expertise

Dada la importancia del conocimiento previo para decidir de forma adaptable en el deporte, se estudió el conocimiento táctico de 109 jóvenes futbolistas de ocho a doce años y su relación con la edad, la experiencia y el nivel de pericia, mediante el Test de Conocimiento Táctico Ofensivo en Fútbol. Se observaron diferencias significativas de magnitud moderada en función de la edad y la experiencia en competición federada de los jugadores (p < ,05; r < ,40), aunque los resultados fueron dispares. El nivel de pericia correlacionó significativamente con los conocimientos declarativo (rho = ,350; p < ,01), procedimental (rho = ,446; p < ,01) y táctico de los jugadores (rho = ,446; p < ,01). Los hallazgos sugieren que la edad y experiencia no tienen un papel tan determinante sobre el conocimiento táctico como otras variables: metodologías de enseñanza recibidas o la formación del entrenador. Se necesitan estudios en los que se analice si la formación específica en el conocimiento de los problemas tácticos mejora la habilidad de toma de decisiones en el deporte en general y en el fútbol base en particular (AU)

Dada a importância de uma boa base de conhecimento antes de decidir de forma adaptativa no desporto, reações de 109 jovens futebolistas oito e doze anos e sua relação com o conhecimento, idade, experiência em competição e nível de especialização por meio do Teste ofensivo Futebol Tactical Conhecimento é estudado. Foram observadas diferenças significativas de magnitude moderada versus idade e experiência em competição jogadores federados (r < ,40; p < ,05), embora os resultados foram mistos. O nível de especialização significativamente correlacionada com o conhecimento declarativo (rho = 350, p < ,01), e os jogadores táticos (rho = ,446; p < ,01), processual (rho = ,446; p < ,01) . Os resultados sugerem que a idade ea experiência não são decisivo de conhecimento tático como no papel e outras variáveis: metodologias de ensino e formação recebidos do treinador. São necessários mais studos que testam se o treinamento específico no conhecimento dos problemas táticos aumenta a capacidade de tomada de decisão no desporto em geral eo futebol em particular (AU)

Given the importance of prior knowledge on adaptable decision making in sport, tactical knowledge of 109 youth soccer players (8-12 years) and its relationship with age, experience and expertise was studied using The Soccer Tactical Knowledge Test. Moderate magnitude significant differences were observed depending on the age and experience in federated competitions of the players (p < ,05; r < ,40), although results were mixed. The expertise correlated significantly with declarative (rho = ,350; p < ,01), procedural (rho = ,446; p < ,01) and tactical knowledge of the players (rho = ,446; p < ,01). Findings suggest that age and experience would not be as decisive over tactical knowledge as other variables not studied: teaching methods, formal instruction, or coach formation. It is necessary more research to examine whether specific formation on tactical problems concepts could improve decision-making in sport and in youth soccer (AU)

Game-Based Approaches' Pedagogical Principles: Exploring Task Constraints in Youth Soccer.

This study tested the use of two pedagogical principles of Game-based approaches, representation and exaggeration, in the context of game performance of U10 soccer players. Twenty-one players participated in two 3 vs. 3 small-sided games. The first small-sided game was modified by representation. The second small-sided game was modified by enhancing the penetration of the defense tactical problem for invasion games. Decision-making and execution were assessed using the Game Performance Evaluation Tool. No significant differences were observed between games in the number of decision-making units related to keeping possession, nor in those related to penetrating the defense. No significant differences were observed in any execution ability (ball control, passing, dribbling and get free movements). The findings suggested that both games could provide similar degeneracy processes to the players for skill acquisition (specific and contextualized task constraints in which they could develop their game performance and the capability to achieve different outcomes in varying contexts). Probably both games had similar learner-environment dynamics leading players to develop their capabilities for adapting their behaviours to the changing performance situations. More research is necessary, from the ecological dynamics point of view, to determine how we should use small-sided games in Game-based approaches.

Comparación del rendimiento de juego de jugadores de fútbol de 8-9 años en dos juegos modificados 3 contra 3 / Comparison of the performance of soccer players aged 8-9 years old in two modified games 3 against 3

El propósito de este trabajo fue comparar el rendimiento de juego (toma de decisiones y ejecución técnico-táctica) de 21 jugadores de fútbol de 8-9 años, en función del contexto específico de juego en el que desarrollaban sus habilidades. Se realizó un diseño preexperimental, transversal, descriptivo, con una metodología observacional no participante, utilizando para ello la Herramienta de Evaluación del Rendimiento de Juego (HERJ). Se registraron y analizaron los datos de dos juegos modificados de fútbol 3 contra 3, un juego similar al juego real y otro que exageraba el principio táctico de conservar la posesión del balón. Se halló un número significativamente mayor de situaciones de juego para conservar la posesión del balón en el juego en el que había que conservar la posesión del balón. Asimismo, los jugadores presentaron un mayor porcentaje de decisiones adecuadas en este juego. Sin embargo, al observar los resultados correspondientes al éxito en las decisiones y ejecuciones, los jugadores observados presentaron mejores porcentajes en el juego modificado similar al juego real, porcentaje significativamente mejor en el caso del desmarque (AU)

The purpose of this study was to compare 21 8-9 years soccer players’ Game performance depending on the specific context of play where they developed their skills. We designed a nonexperimental, cross-sectional, descriptive and non-participant observational methodology study, using the Game Performance Evaluation Tool (GPET). We recorded and analyzed data from two modified soccer games 3vs3, a modified game similar to the real game and one modified game that exaggerated the tactical principle to keeping possession of the ball. We found a significantly greater number of keeping possession situations in the game that exaggerated this tactical principle. Also, players had higher percentage of suitable decision-making units in this game. However, when we observed the results for successful decisions and executions, players had better percentages in the modified game similar to the real game. This percentage was significantly better in the case of supports (AU)

O propósito desse estudo foi de comparar o rendimento do jogo (toma de decisões e execução técnica-tática) de (..) (AU)